Thursday, June 28, 2012Hamilton: Goal is to make Bruins roster
By Joe McDonald

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli handed out a major confidence boost to the organization’s top prospect recently, claiming Dougie Hamilton had a good opportunity to make the team for 2012-13.

The 19-year-old defenseman is currently participating in the team’s development camp at Ristuccia Arena. Boston selected him in the first round (ninth overall) in the 2011 NHL draft and he excelled with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL last season, recording 17 goals and 55 assists for 72 points in 50 regular-season games.

When asked about Chiarelli’s comments, Hamilton on Thursday seemed confident he could achieve that goal.

“That is my goal to make the Bruins,” Hamilton said. “I want to get better every day and try to give myself the best opportunity to do that.”

Of the 30 players participating in the camp, only Torey Krug has NHL experience. After signing with the Bruins as a free agent out of Michigan State last March, the 21-year-old defenseman played a total of two games for the Bruins. When he watches Hamilton skate, Krug knows he’s watching the future on Boston’s blue line.

“He’s a bigger guy and you can see he’s got a ton of skill,” Krug said. “He’s got a head on his shoulders and he knows how to play the game. You can see a ton of potential there. You know he’s going to have a great career and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop.”